England World Cup media talk 16/06/14

16 June 2014

By Rhys Griffiths

Here are a selection of Monday 16th June's big stories from the media covering the England team as they look to recover from their their defeat at the hands of Italy in their Group D opener on Saturday

England boss Roy Hodgson has praised his young players for their performance and says his side can still progress despite defeat by Italy, the Guardian reports.

Speaking to the media after his side's 2-1 loss in Manaus on Saturday, Hodgson remained upbeat about his team's chances. He said: "The main positive I can take is that it's the best I have seen the team play in my time with them. It's good to know we have so many players who will make us a good team going forward."

Cesare Prandelli has described England as "one of the strongest teams in the World Cup" and recognised their change in style, the BBC reports.

The Italy manager was speaking after his side had defeated the Three Lions in Manaus, and compared the 2014 favourably with the side Italy faced at Euro 2012. "Until just a few years ago, England relied on long balls but they are now a skilled team with excellent triangular passing," Prandelli said.

After failing to score against Italy, Manchester United forward Wayne Rooney has dismissed the suggestion he is guaranteed a place in the England starting XI, the Telegraph reports.

Speaking after the defeat against Italy, he said: "I've never felt that. Why would I feel my place in the team is guaranteed? I work hard to try to get into the team. I have never said my place is guaranteed."